Episodes five and six in the Chicago Bulls documentary, The Last Dance, aired last night with more eye-opening stories and fascinating behind-the-scenes footage.

Hearing all about Michael Jordan’s competitiveness and shoes was interesting, but my biggest takeaway was how difficult it must have been to be him during the peak of his fame. The old Gatorade jingle, “I Wanna be Like Mike,” only represented the positive side of his reality.

Of course, Jordan most likely enjoyed receiving the attention, accolades, money, and notoriety, but at the same time, imagine how worn down he was with obligations and people pulling on him in every direction.

The documentary explained Jordan’s gameday schedule and how he always had to address the media and spend time with fans before and after games. Plus, he played 82 games almost every year (the playoffs too) and only knew how to play at a high level.

Being in the spotlight, Jordan was expected to be “on” for the crowd in every city the Bulls played – when they waited for him outside of the arenas and also at the hotels where he and the team were staying.

The picture above was from a scene in episode six that captures Jordan in a state of relaxation and reflection while sitting in his hotel room away from the crowds. He needed that time to regroup, refocus, and have alone time.

When you consider the astonishing level of worldwide fame Jordan received in the 90s, it’s not surprising that he temporarily retired after each three-peat. He had to step away from all of the craziness.

His busy and exhausting life in the limelight was partly due to his choices, but also a result of the expectations required while wanting to be the best.

As we sing along to the catchy lyrics, “I wanna be like Mike,” we won’t make jumpers like Jordan or have a signature shoe like him, but the one way we are probably like him is we all get worn out and overextended.

And even though some of us can go longer and harder than others, we all eventually hit a point where we need a break by getting away from the “crowds” and the “noise.”

Each of us has a different set of obligations, expectations, pressures, and activities that cause our lives to be busy, but all of us need those times where we experience solitude, rest, relaxation, and rejuvenation.

Our busyness can be brought on by our own choices and motivations, but oftentimes we’re pulled in every direction because of things that are out of our control.

We may even get overextended by doing amazing things for the Lord or our families, however, the principle remains the same. If we want to have the energy and proper mindset to continue to serve God and others, we must know when it’s time to temporarily stop and say no more.

Instead of crashing and burning, we must get rejuvenated so we’re equipped to do what God has for us next. Not only should we physically rest, but rest in the Lord by spending time with Him.

Jesus gives us the proper example of this rhythm when He was at the height of His ministry. Luke 5:15-16 (AMP) tells us, “But the news about Him was spreading farther, and large crowds kept gathering to hear Him and to be healed of their illnesses. But Jesus Himself would often slip away to the wilderness and pray [in seclusion].”

Chapter 14 in Matthew not only tells the story of when He took five loaves of bread and two fish and fed the 5,000+ people in the crowd, but what He did afterward.

Verses 22-23 (AMP) explain, “Immediately He directed the disciples to get into the boat and go ahead of Him to the other side [of the Sea of Galilee], while He sent the crowds away. After He had dismissed the crowds, He went up on the mountain by Himself to pray. When it was evening, He was there alone.”

Jesus needed to be alone and away from the crowds, and even He had to pull back, set boundaries, and most importantly find time to pray. It was after He did this that His next miracle (walking on water) took place.

As we unpack both Michael Jordan’s and Jesus’ need to pull back from the crowds, it’s interesting how the current pandemic has forced us to do the same. Moving forward, let’s willingly look to Jesus’ example of what it means to temporarily “slip away” and pray.

I’m Bryce Johnson and you can UNPACK that!

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I confess that the obligations and pressures of life wear me out. Help me to have the right rhythm of rest and to know when it’s time to pull back and pause. Please continue to use me for Your work and Your glory and provide the necessary energy to keep going as I rest in You. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.

Discussion Questions for PACKS:

1. In what ways do you feel worn down right now or overextended?

2. What do you do to refuel, pull away, and rest?